But Bethel, who became a Pro Bowl special-teams player last year, is making progress toward being more than that.

"After the season, I had a meeting with BA," Bethel said, referring to Arians, "and he was like, 'You made it to the Pro Bowl on special teams. Are you ready to step it up to the next level and try to play some corner?'

"Coming off last season, I felt like I had come to the point where I was ready to start playing some corner. I was getting better at my technique. This year, I'm emphasizing just getting into my playbook."

Record projections for all 32 NFL teams:

How will the 2014 NFL season play out? If we really knew, we'd keep the answers to ourselves and join Johnny Manziel in Las Vegas. But USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis is willing to offer one outcome after picking all 256 regular-season games and 11 playoff contests (he predicted the Seahawks would beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, eight months before the game kicked off, after doing this exercise in 2013). Here are the results (wild-card entries noted by *; all postseason teams also listed with seeding): (Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

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As a defensive player, Bethel was a project when the Cardinals drafted him in the sixth round out of Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., in 2012. He worked at both safety and cornerback as a rookie, then just cornerback a year ago.

What he really has become is a specialty player who covers kicks and punts, one who gives opponents fits trying to prevent him from blocking field-goal attempts and punts.

The Cardinals believe he could eventually be more.

Already among the team's faster players, he might be as good an athlete as Peterson. Before he entered the NFL, Bethel became a YouTube sensation when he leaped 5 feet from a flat-footed position.

What Bethel doesn't have is experience at cornerback. He's spent more time studying video this offseason, and in offseason practices appears to have a better sense of what is happening around him.

"I just think I wasn't in my playbook enough to play it," Bethel said of last season. "Once you get into the playbook, it slows the game down and it makes everything a little bit easier with your technique.

"My goal is to eventually be a starter as a cornerback and still do my role on special teams."

Each NFL team's most underrated player:

Some NFL players don't receive enough credit. As the regular season approaches, here's a list of the most underrated player on each roster according to USA TODAY Sports' Brent Sobleski, with the caveat that each hasn't made the Pro Bowl or been named to an All-Pro team. (Photo: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

Buffalo Bills: Cordy Glenn, OT | When Glenn was drafted, there were questions whether he could even play offensive tackle at the NFL level. Glenn, however, started 29 games on the blindside the past two seasons. Glenn, who wins with length and size (6-6, 345), played particularly well during his second year and proved to be a wall behind E.J. Manuel. (Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)

Miami Dolphins: Brian Hartline, WR | While Mike Wallace is overrated, Hartline's value is never fully appreciated. Hartline has led the team in receiving each of the past two seasons and eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards each time. He's a reliable route runner and dependable target. He's also proven that he can take the top off of some defenses. (Photo: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports)

New England Patriots: Rob Ninkovich, DE | In the past three seasons, Ninkovich has started every game for the Patriots, and he's accumulated 22.5 sacks. He's proven to be a relentless pass rusher and stout against the run. More importantly, Ninkovich helps provide the flexibility Bill Belichick prefers in his defense since he also plays linebacker. (Photo: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports)

New York Jets: Damon Harrison, NT | Defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson receive most of the attention along the Jets' defense due to their productivity. But Harrison - also known as "Snacks" - is doing all of the dirty work in the middle. The 350-pound nose tackle is nearly impossible to move and is one of the best run defenders in the NFL. (Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Baltimore Ravens: Daryl Smith, LB | When Ray Lewis retired after 17 seasons, a void was left in the middle of the Ravens' defense. It was filled by the veteran Smith, who played at a higher level in 2013 than Lewis did during the team's Super Bowl run in 2012. Smith particularly excels in coverage, which was where Lewis struggled during his final season. (Photo: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports)

Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT | Smith has developed into the game's premier right tackle. The former sixth-overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft was supposed to be the team's answer on the blindside. Instead, he's blossomed on the strong side. Smith can be force in the run game, but he's been particularly strong in his pass protection. (Photo: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

Cleveland Browns: Jabaal Sheard, LB | Last offseason, the Browns handed Paul Kruger a five-year, $40.5 million contract. The team then drafted Barkevious Mingo with the sixth-overall pick. Yet, Sheard led the team with 5.5 sacks, and he's done so in each of his three seasons, whether he was in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. (Photo: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)

Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelvin Beachum, OT | Once Beachum was permanently inserted into the Steelers' offensive line as the starting left tackle, the unit began to gel. Ben Roethlisberger was sacked 42 times in 2013. Thirteen of those came in the four games Beachum didn't start. The Steelers showed confidence in Beachum by not using a high draft pick on a left tackle in the draft. (Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Houston Texans: Brandon Brooks, OG | The Houston Texans may have struggled as a team last year, but Brooks started to come into his own. Brooks is a massive run blocker and very strong at the point of attack. As the Texans' transition from Gary Kubiak's zone-based running attack to more of a power scheme under new head coach Bill O'Brien, Brooks should continue to flourish. (Photo: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)

Indianapolis Colts: Arthur Jones, DE | The Colts didn't waste much time by signing Jones on the first day of free agency. The reason is due to Jones' excellent play the last two seasons with the Ravens. The 3-4 end started 19 games and proved to be a strong run defender. He can also provide some pressure from the interior. Jones registered 8.5 sacks as part of the Ravens' rotation. (Photo: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Jacksonville Jaguars: Alan Ball, CB | When Gus Bradley took over as the Jaguars' head coach, he was expected to bring the Seahawks' style of defense with him. Bradley wasn't expected to turn a veteran journeyman at cornerback into the team's best defender. Ball, who has the preferred size (6-2, 197) for the scheme, excelled, particularly with press coverage. He led the team with 14 deflected passes. (Photo: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

Tennessee Titans: Jason McCourty, CB | McCourty has quietly been a very solid starting cornerback the past three seasons. He is good in coverage and strong coming up against the run. With Alterraun Verner signing a mega-deal with the Buccaneers, McCourty will now have an opportunity to prove he's a No. 1 cornerback. Ray Horton's aggressive scheme should put him in position to do just that. (Photo: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Broncos: Chris Harris Jr., CB | Even with opponents constantly trying to come back by throwing the football against the Broncos last season, both of the team's cornerbacks played well. Harris finally moved into a full-time starter role, while sliding inside to the slot against multiple-receiver sets. Harris displayed his worth last season by playing more defensive snaps than any other player on the Broncos' roster. (Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Sherman, FB | Fullbacks rarely receive the recognition they deserve as the position is phased out of professional football. Yet, Sherman was the best blocking fullback in the NFL last season. Sherman also served as a check-down option in the passing game. He caught 18 passes during his first season with the Chiefs. (Photo: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports)

San Diego Chargers: Danny Woodhead, RB | Woodhead is the Chargers' Swiss Army knife. He finished second on the team with 1,034 total yards. He is the team's third-down back. He can line up at wide receiver. And the Chargers aren't afraid to use him as the team's primary ball carrier at any point. Woodhead's versatility, reliability and toughness make him one of the most overlooked players in the NFL. (Photo: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports)

Dallas Cowboys: Doug Free, OT | The Cowboys have invested heavily in the left side of their offensive line the past three years. Free, meanwhile, found a home at right tackle, even though it always seems like he's on the verge of being replaced. He's started every game the past four years, while putting together a really strong season in 2013. (Photo: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)

New York Giants: Will Hill, S | While the Giants struggled at nearly every level last season, the team's pass defense ranked 10th overall. Part of the reason for the team's play in the secondary was Hill's permanent insertion into the starting lineup for the final eight weeks of the season. Hill steps in against the run well and proved to be the perfect complement to Antrel Rolle. Update: Hill was cut from the Giants after being suspended for the first six games of the season. He is with the Ravens now. (Photo: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY)

Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Boykin, CB | Boykin technically isn't a starter, but he's quickly developed into the NFL's best nickel corner. No single cornerback graded higher in coverage last year, according to ProFootballFocus.com. Boykin tied for second in the NFL with six interceptions during his second season. And he contributes as a kick returner. (Photo: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

Washington Redskins: Barry Cofield, NT | For the past three years, Cofield has started every game for the Redskins and sets the tone up front as the team's nose tackle. Cofield isn't a traditional nose tackle, though. He excels when asked to shoot gaps and provide pressure from the interior instead of taking on double-teams. (Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Chicago Bears: Matt Slauson, OG | In 2013, the Bears revamped their offensive line. Slauson was signed as a free agent and became the team's best blocker. Slauson has always been very physical at the point of attack, and he continues to improve as a pass blocker. Slauson did require shoulder surgery after the season, but he's expected to return to the field by the start of training camp. (Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)

Detroit Lions: Stephen Tulloch, LB | While rarely mentioned as one of the NFL's top middle linebackers, Tulloch has been consistently productive the past five seasons. During that time, Tulloch accumulated 639 total tackles. Tulloch is also comfortable in coverage, which makes him a valuable piece to the Lions' defense. (Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)

Green Bay Packers: Mike Daniels, DE | Daniels is rotational player along the Packers' defensive line, but he makes an impact when he's on the field. Daniels provides a rare commodity: he's a strong interior pass rusher. Daniels was second on the team with 6.5 sacks, and he outplayed the team's first-round pick last year, Datone Jones. (Photo: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)

Minnesota Vikings: Brian Robison, DE | Jared Allen has been one of the NFL top sack masters for years, and Robison proved to be a strong bookend. Over the past three years, Robison accumulated 25.5 sacks. He has a quick first step and consistently provides pressure. His 63 quarterback hurries led the NFL in 2013. Robison now has chance to prove he wasn't simply capitalizing off of Allen and become the team's top pass rusher. (Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports)

Atlanta Falcons: Jonathan Babineaux, DT | For nine seasons, Babineaux has been a constant along the Falcons' defensive line. He's proven to be a disruptive interior defender. And he was rewarded with a three-year, $9 million contract in the off season. As the 32-year-old lineman enters this season, he has an opportunity to further prove his worth as the Falcons transition from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4 front. (Photo: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports)

Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen, TE | Olsen already led the Panthers in receiving last season with 73 receptions for 816 yards, and his role should expand now that the team's top four wide receivers left the team. Olsen is already used primarily as a receiver and spends most of his time lined up wide. It allows some leeway to overlook the fact he's a below average blocker. (Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

New Orleans Saints: Junior Galette, LB | When the the Saints converted to a 3-4 base defense under coordinator Rob Ryan, the team realized it already had a talented outside linebacker on the roster in Galette. During his first year as a full-time starter, Galette was a terror off the edge with 12 sacks and 12 more quarterback hits. Galette's sack total was sixth best in the NFL. (Photo: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Demar Dotson, OT | While the Buccaneers set out to improve the offensive line during the offseason, they didn't have to worry about right tackle. Dotson has developed into one of the top strong side blockers in the NFL. Only two right tackles graded higher than Dotson last year, according to ProFootballFocus. Dotson's size (6-9, 315) makes it difficult for defenders to get around. (Photo: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports)

Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell, DE | Patrick Peterson is the talent. Tyrann Mathieu is beloved as the "Honey Badger." Darnell Dockett is one of the most engaging players in the NFL. However, Campbell was the best player on a very good Cardinals defense last year. His nine sacks were a career high, and he added 40 quarterback hurries. (Photo: David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports)

San Francisco 49ers: Tramaine Brock, CB | Brock finally earned a starting role during the final six games of the regular season and through the playoffs. He led the team with five interceptions and was rewarded with a four-year, $14 million contract. Brock is now the one constant at cornerback for the 49ers, while the other starting spot is up for grabs between three veterans and a pair of rookies. (Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)

Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Mebane, DT | The Seahawks' ultra-talented defensive line is often overlooked. Mebane, in particular, is one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the NFL. He has a lightning quick first step and regularly shoots gaps. It's that type of disruption up front that makes everyone else's job on the defense easier. (Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

St. Louis Rams: Janoris Jenkins, CB | Jenkins is developing into one of the better young cornerbacks in the NFL. During his two seasons in the NFL, Jenkins outplayed veteran Cortland Finnegan, whom the Rams eventually released. Jenkins will now move into a leadership role as the Rams' No. 1 cornerback. (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Arizona Cardinals tight end Troy Niklas sits on the sidelines wearing a cast on his hand during minicamp at the team's Tempe training facility on June 10, 2014. (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

The Cardinals moved to 6-1 with a 24-20 win over the Eagles in Glendale. It is the team's best start since 1974. John Brown caught a 75-yard touchdown pass with 1:21 remaining for the game's final score. Cardinals record: 6-1

Comment: It's Arizona's first appearance in Jerry's Dome. The Cardinals have won three straight over the Cowboys, and two of those games went into overtime. Drama is rarely in short supply when these two old NFC East rivals get together.

Nov. 9, 2014 2:25 PM

St. Louis Rams

Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale

TV: Channel 10

Comment: The Cardinals had lost eight consecutive division games before beating the Rams last December. Both teams are trying to catch Seattle and San Francisco. The Cardinals haven't won the division since 2009. The Rams last won it in 2003.

Nov. 16, 2014 2:25 PM

Detroit Lions

Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale

TV: Channel 10

Comment: The Cardinals have won five consecutive games over the Lions, including last year, 25-21. The Lions have a new coach, Jim Caldwell, and a formidable defensive line. Watching cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Peterson try to stop Calvin Johnson will be intriguing. Johnson caught 6 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona in 2013.

Nov. 23, 2014 2:05 PM

at Seattle Seahawks

Location: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

TV: Channel 10

Comment: The Cardinals signature victory of 2013 came in Seattle in the penultimate game of the season. The Cardinals shut down Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch (71 yards), then enjoyed some of Marshawn's signature candy, Skittles, on the field after.

Nov. 30, 2014 2:05 PM

at Atlanta Falcons

Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

TV: Channel 10

Comment: In his last two games against Arizona - 2012 and '13, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had one touchdown pass and nine interceptions. The Falcons managed to win the 2012 game, but the Cardinals clearly have Ryan's number.

Dec. 7, 2014 2:05 PM

Kansas City Chiefs

Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale

TV: Channel 5

Comment: Somehow Andy Reid went from being a 95 percent certainty to coach the Cardinals, per ESPN, to landing with the Chiefs. The Cardinals wanted to talk to Reid about their job after the 2012 season but never did. Instead, he went to Kansas City and turned the Chiefs around last year. Things worked out for the Cardinals, who hired Bruce Arians.

Dec. 11, 2014 6:25 PM

at St. Louis Rams

Location: Edward Jones Dome, St Louis, MO

TV: NFL Network

Comment:On Thursday night national TV this time around. The Cardinals blew an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose in their old home last year. Jared Cook (7 catches, 141 yards, 2 TDs) became the first of many tight ends to hurt the Cardinals in 2013.

Dec. 21, 2014 6:30 PM

Seattle Seahawks

Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale

TV: Channel 12

Comment:On NBC's Sunday Night Football. Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer had six passes intercepted by the Seahawks last season, including two in a loss at University of Phoenix Stadium. That game was on a Thursday night, and the Cardinals were not as prepared as well as the Seahawks were on a short week.

Dec. 28, 2014 2:25 PM

at San Francisco 49ers

Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

TV: Channel 10

Comment: Maybe the 49ers' new digs, Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, will be kinder to the Cardinals than Candlestick Park was. The Cardinals lost their last five games there by an average of almost 18 points. The closest game was a 12-point loss in 2013.